Ethan Clarke
Dirt bike plastics can become damaged over time, with scratches, fading, and oxidation being common issues. While it is possible to purchase new plastics, restoring old plastics is a cheaper alternative. There are several methods for restoring dirt bike plastics, including sanding, using a heat gun, and polishing. The process can be time-consuming and labour-intensive, but it is possible to achieve a good finish.
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What You'll Learn
Using a heat gun
One way to remove oxidation is by using a razor blade to scrape off the oxidation in long strokes. You can also use sandpaper to sand down any major cuts, scrapes, or blemishes. It is recommended to start with a lower grit sandpaper, such as 320 or 400-grit, and gradually increase the grit size up to 2000. Using a heat gun on the plastic can help to remove any remaining white spots. However, it is important to be cautious as applying too much heat can cause the plastic to melt or become brittle.
After using the heat gun, you can apply a rubbing compound to the plastic, which will help to restore the colour and shine. If you are applying decals, it is recommended to avoid using a sealer or shine as the adhesive may not stick properly. However, if you are aiming for a high-gloss finish, you can use a coating product such as Maxima SC1.
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Sanding and smoothing
- Start with a clean surface: Before sanding, ensure the plastic surface is clean and free of any dirt or debris.
- Choose the right sandpaper: Select varying grades of sandpaper, starting with a finer grit for initial sanding. For deep scratches, consider starting with automotive wet 320-grit sandpaper. If there are no deep scratches, you can start with a higher grit, such as 400.
- Wet sanding: It is recommended to use water during the sanding process. Dip the sandpaper in water or soak small sections of paper before use. This helps to prevent scratching and keeps the surface lubricated.
- Work your way up: Begin sanding with the finer grit and gradually move to higher grits. Work your way up to around 1000 or 1500 grit. The higher the grit number, the smoother the finish.
- Technique matters: When sanding, avoid going in a circular motion. Stick to a consistent direction, such as front to back, to ensure an even finish.
- Remove deep gouges: For deep gouges and scratches, use a razor blade or a sharp blade to carefully shave off the top layer of plastic. This will help create a smoother surface before sanding.
- Take your time: Sanding is a time-consuming process. Be patient and don't linger too long in one spot to avoid creating uneven surfaces.
- Heat gun treatment: After sanding, some people use a heat gun to melt the surface slightly. This helps to remove any remaining scratches and smooth out the plastic. However, be cautious as it can be tricky to achieve a consistent finish.
Remember, restoring dirt bike plastics requires time and effort. By carefully sanding and smoothing the surfaces, you can create a fresh canvas for polishing and bring your bike back to life.
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Buffing and polishing
Buffing
Buffing helps to smooth out the surface of the plastic and remove any imperfections. It is an essential process to prepare the plastic for polishing. Firstly, ensure your dirt bike is clean by washing it with a cleaning solution. You can make your own by mixing dish soap and water, or you can purchase a specialised dirt bike cleaning product. Once your bike is clean and dry, you can begin the buffing process.
If there are any deep scratches or gouges, use a sharp razor blade or a fine grit sandpaper (around 150-grit) to carefully remove them. Always work in the same direction when using the sandpaper to avoid creating more scratches. If there are no deep scratches, you can start with a higher grit sandpaper, such as 320 or 400-grit. Gradually work your way up to finer grits like 600, 800, 1000, and so on. Keep the sandpaper moist during this process by dipping it in water.
It is important to wipe the plastic between each grit to remove any debris and inspect your work. Take your time with this process, as rushing can lead to uneven results. Once you've finished sanding, use a soft, clean cloth, such as microfiber, to wipe down the plastic and remove any remaining grit or dust.
Polishing
Polishing is what gives the plastic its shine and helps to protect it from future wear. You can polish the plastic by hand or use a power drill with a buffing wheel attachment for faster and more efficient results. If using a power drill, opt for a high-speed drill to achieve a high polish. Attach a new buffing wheel to ensure it is free from any compounds or dirt that could contaminate your work.
Tilt the buffing wheel and gently press it against the plastic as it spins, moving it back and forth across the surface. Be cautious not to hold the spinning wheel in one spot for too long, as it can generate heat and potentially melt the plastic. Work the wheel over the entire surface of the plastic, paying extra attention to curved or hard-to-reach areas, where a smaller buffing wheel may be required.
To enhance the shine and provide extra protection, use a polishing compound. You can apply the compound directly to the buffing wheel or the plastic surface. The polishing compound will give your dirt bike plastics a gleaming finish and help maintain their shine for longer.
Remember, restoring dirt bike plastics takes time and patience. There are no shortcuts to achieving a showroom-quality shine, but the results will be well worth the effort.
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Using a razor blade
Restoring dirt bike plastics is a time-consuming process that requires patience and precision. Here is a detailed guide on using a razor blade to restore your dirt bike plastics:
Sanding:
After using the razor blade, you'll need to sand the plastics to smooth out the scratches made by the blade. Start with a lower grit sandpaper, such as 60 or 80, to remove deeper scratches, and then move up to finer grits like 120 or 150. Keep the sandpaper and the plastic surface wet during this process to prevent overheating and melting. Use a trigger spray bottle or dip the sandpaper in water frequently to maintain moisture.
Polishing:
Once you've removed the oxidation and scratches, it's time to polish the plastics. You can use a cutting compound for the initial polish, followed by a polishing compound for the final shine. Foam pads are recommended for this step, as they are less likely to burn the plastics compared to wool pads. This process will take time and effort, but it will help you achieve a showroom-like shine on your dirt bike plastics.
Additional Tips:
- Always work slowly and steadily when using a razor blade to avoid accidental slips that can create new scratches.
- When sanding, be consistent with the direction of your strokes, and avoid going in a circular motion or perpendicular to your previous strokes.
- Remember to wipe between grits and keep the paper clean to prevent clogging and achieve a uniform finish.
- If you plan to use a heat gun, be cautious, as it can be challenging to achieve a consistent finish.
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Plastic Renew kit
Dirt bike plastics can be restored using the Plastic Renew kit, which is a complete plastic-restoring solution. The kit includes sandpaper, steel wool, Plastic Renew chemicals, and an applicator towel. The process begins by sanding out any scratches on the plastic surface. After the plastic is prepped, the included chemicals are applied with a paper towel. Typically, 3 to 4 coats of the Plastic Renew chemical are needed to restore the brilliant colour and shine of new plastic. This product is safe to use, effective, and long-lasting, as it does not come off from normal washing.
The Plastic Renew kit is suitable for restoring at least four complete bikes or two ATVs. It is compatible with all colours of dirt bikes. The process is straightforward, but it requires patience and effort. It is important to follow the instructions carefully for the best results.
Before using the Plastic Renew kit, ensure that the plastic surface is clean and free of any deep gouges or scratches. A razor blade or a sharp knife can be used to remove any peeling or faded plastic. This step is crucial to ensure that the Plastic Renew chemical can be applied evenly and effectively.
After the initial preparation, the included sandpaper can be used to smooth out the surface further. It is recommended to start with a finer grit, such as 320 or 400, and gradually increase to finer grits like 600, 800, 1000, and even up to 2000. It is essential to keep the paper wet during sanding and to wipe between grits. A cutting compound can be used for the initial polish, followed by a polishing compound for the final shine.
The Plastic Renew chemical can then be applied in thin coats, following the direction's guidelines. This process may need to be repeated a few times to achieve the desired results. The final outcome is a showroom-quality shine that makes the dirt bike look almost brand new.
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Frequently asked questions
Restoring dirt bike plastics is a time-consuming process that requires a lot of patience. It is similar to restoring the clarity of plastic headlights. First, you need to remove any oxidation on the plastic surface using a razor blade. Next, sand the plastic with varying grades of sandpaper, starting with a lower grit and working your way up to a higher grit. You can then polish the plastic and finish by spraying it with a product like Maxima SC1 and buffing it. Finally, you can use a heat gun to bring out the brightness, but be careful not to overheat the plastic.
There are several products available to help restore dirt bike plastics. The 'Plastic Renew' kit is a good option for vintage bikes, as it includes a clear coat that makes the plastic shine once properly sanded and smoothed. You can also use Holloway's floor shine for the final touch, as it leaves a clear film on the plastic. Additionally, you can search for the "Vaseline mod" on YouTube, which demonstrates how to use Vaseline to shine up black plastics.
When sanding dirt bike plastics, start with a lower grit sandpaper, such as 320 or 400, and gradually work your way up to a higher grit, such as 600, 800, 1000, 1500, and even 2000. Keep the paper wet and wipe between grits. Use a cutting compound for the first polish and a polishing compound for the final polish. Foam pads are a good option for polishing, as they are cheap and won't burn the plastic.
Restoring dirt bike plastics can be a time-consuming and challenging process. At some point, it may become impractical to continue restoring the plastics, and it may be more cost-effective to invest in new plastic products. This is especially true if you are unable to find replacement plastics that match the classic look of your vintage bike.
